What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)? Why Contractors & Business Owners Need It

What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)? Why Contractors & Business Owners Need It

If you’re a contractor, subcontractor, vendor, or small business owner, chances are you’ve been asked for a Certificate of Insurance, also known as a COI. And if you weren’t sure what it meant or how to get one, you’re not alone.

At Crosswinds Insurance Agency, we issue COIs every day for our commercial clients — so this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Exactly Is a COI?

A Certificate of Insurance is simply proof that you have active insurance coverage. It’s not the policy itself. Instead, it’s a quick, official snapshot of your current insurance, usually required before you can start a job or enter a worksite.

A COI typically shows:

• Your business name

• Policy types (GL, Workers Comp, Auto, etc.)

• Liability limits

• Effective dates

• Policy numbers

• The certificate holder’s name

• Any special wording required for the job

If you work in construction, maintenance, HVAC, landscaping, cleaning, trucking, or any service industry — you will be asked for a COI regularly.

Why Do Clients Ask for COIs?

The client or general contractor wants to make sure you carry the proper insurance so they don’t take on the liability.

A COI protects them by confirming you have the correct:

• General Liability coverage

• Workers Compensation

• Commercial Auto Insurance

• Umbrella limits

• Any endorsements they require

If an accident happens on the job, they want to ensure the responsibility falls on your policy — not theirs.

Certificate Holder vs. Additional Insured: What’s the Difference?

This is one of the most common points of confusion.

Certificate Holder

This is the company requesting your COI.

They are simply receiving proof of your insurance.

It does NOT grant them coverage under your policy.

Additional Insured

This does extend coverage to them.

Many jobs — especially commercial or construction — require this.

Adding someone as an Additional Insured often requires:

• An endorsement

• Carrier approval

• Specific wording on the COI

This is why it’s important to request COIs correctly — so we can get the exact wording your job requires.

How to Request a COI (Fast & Easy)

Crosswinds Insurance Agency makes requesting COIs simple.

You can request yours by:

• Visiting: https://www.crosswindsinsurance.com/service

• Texting us: 803-573-0049

• Calling: 704-248-2657

• Emailing: info@crosswindsinsurance.com

We understand that most job sites won’t let you start work until your COI is submitted — so we aim for quick turnaround times.

Common COI Mistakes to Avoid

To make the process fast and smooth, avoid these common errors:

• Incorrect certificate holder information

• Missing address or job site location

• Not knowing whether Additional Insured status is required

• Waiting until the last minute

• Providing outdated policy limits

• Not requesting required endorsements

Providing accurate details upfront ensures your COI is approved without delays.

Why COIs Matter for Your Business

A clean, accurate COI shows potential clients that you are:

• Professional

• Insured

• Compliant

• Ready to work

It also helps you avoid delays, job site issues, and missed opportunities. Many companies will not release payments or allow access to their property without a valid COI.

Need a COI Today? We’ve Got You.

Whether you’re a contractor heading to a job site or a business owner needing to show proof of coverage, Crosswinds Insurance Agency has you covered.

Call 704-248-2657 or visit crosswindsinsurance.com to get your COI quickly and accurately.